You’re walking up 2nd Avenue, past the rows of identical-looking high-rises and the occasional bodega with the neon "Cerveza" sign, and then you see it. It’s sitting right there on the corner of 85th Street. Five Mile Stone New York NY 10028. It doesn’t look like much from a distance, just another brick-fronted pub in a neighborhood that has approximately ten thousand of them. But honestly? This place is different.
Most people in Manhattan think the Upper East Side is either billionaire's row or a college frat party that never ended. They're wrong. The area around 1640 2nd Avenue—which is the exact spot we're talking about—is where the neighborhood actually lives. It’s where people go when they want a drink that isn't served in a plastic cup but also don't want to deal with the pretension of a Midtown rooftop. Five Mile Stone is basically the anchor for that specific vibe. It’s a multi-level bar that feels like a cozy living room, if your living room had a massive whiskey selection and better lighting.
The name itself isn't just some random marketing jargon. Back in the day, New York was measured by milestones starting from City Hall. The "fifth milestone" was right around here. It was a marker of how far you’d traveled from the center of the city. Today, it’s a marker of something else entirely: a decent place to get a burger and a craft beer without losing your soul.
What's the Deal With the Atmosphere?
If you walk in on a Tuesday night, it's quiet. You can actually hear yourself think. The wood is dark, the leather is worn in just the right way, and the bartenders aren't trying to be "mixologists" in waistcoats who judge you for ordering a Miller High Life. They just make good drinks.
Then Friday hits.
The energy shifts. It gets loud. Not "I can't hear my friend sitting next to me" loud, but the kind of buzz that makes you feel like you're actually in New York. You've got the 10028 crowd—locals who have lived in the same rent-stabilized apartment since 1994—mixed with the new graduates who just moved into a five-floor walk-up three blocks away. It’s a weird, beautiful ecosystem.
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The layout matters here. The first floor is all action. The bar is long, the stools are usually claimed by 6:00 PM, and the street-view windows are great for people-watching. If you head upstairs, things change. It’s a bit more "cocktail lounge" up there. They’ve got these plush booths that are perfect for a date or a small group of friends who want to gossip about their coworkers.
The Food and Drink Reality Check
Let's talk about the menu because most "pub food" in this zip code is depressing. Usually, it's frozen wings and a burger that tastes like cardboard. Five Mile Stone New York NY 10028 actually puts effort into the kitchen. The menu leans into the "American Comfort" category but with a bit of a smirk.
They do a Mac and Cheese that is frankly dangerous. It’s heavy, it’s cheesy, and it’s exactly what you want after a long day at the office. The burgers are respectable. They don't try to reinvent the wheel with truffle oil or gold flakes; they just use good meat and cook it properly.
The whiskey list is where they really flex. If you’re a bourbon person, you’ll be happy. They have a curated selection that ranges from "I just got paid" to "I’m celebrating a promotion."
- Draft List: Always rotating. They tend to support local breweries from Brooklyn and Queens.
- The Brunch: It’s a scene. If you like bottomless options, you know the drill. It gets rowdy.
- The "Secret" Spots: The upstairs booths are the prize. Snag one if you can.
Why the 10028 Zip Code Matters
The Upper East Side is massive. It stretches from 59th Street all the way up to 96th. But the 10028 area—roughly between 79th and 90th—is the sweet spot. It’s residential, but it has teeth. It’s less "museum mile" and more "neighborhood life."
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Living or hanging out near Five Mile Stone New York NY 10028 means you’re in the heart of Yorkville history. This used to be a German and Irish enclave. While most of the old-school butcher shops and social clubs are gone (RIP to many of them), that spirit of "stopping in for a pint" hasn't vanished. It’s just evolved.
People often ask if the area is safe. It’s New York; keep your head on a swivel, but yeah, 10028 is statistically one of the safest pockets of the city. You’ll see people walking their dogs at 11:00 PM without a care in the world. This safety contributes to the "late-night local" vibe of the bar. It’s a place where you can grab a nightcap and walk home without feeling like you’re running a gauntlet.
Misconceptions About Five Mile Stone
There's this idea that every bar on the Upper East Side is a "Stumble Inn" clone—basically a haven for 22-year-olds in salmon-colored shorts. While those places exist (and have their purpose), Five Mile Stone is the grown-up version.
You won't find beer pong tables here.
You won't find people screaming "shots" every five minutes.
It’s sophisticated without being stuffy. Kinda like that one friend who knows how to dress well but can still hold their own in a dive bar. That’s the balance they’ve managed to strike. Some critics say it can get too crowded on weekends, and yeah, that's true. It's a popular spot in a dense city. If you hate crowds, don't go there on a Saturday at 10:00 PM. Go on a Wednesday for a quiet dinner.
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Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to Five Mile Stone New York NY 10028, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the subway situation. The Q train at 86th Street is your best friend. It’s clean, it’s fast, and it’s about a five-minute walk from the bar. The 4, 5, and 6 trains are also nearby at Lexington, but the Q is just... better.
Reservations? For a casual drink, no. For a group or a weekend brunch? Absolutely. Don’t just roll up with ten people and expect a table. This isn't the suburbs; space is at a premium.
Check the weather before you go. They have some outdoor seating, and while sitting on 2nd Avenue isn't exactly a trip to the French Riviera, it’s great for a sunny afternoon beer. The breeze comes off the East River (which is only a few blocks away) and keeps things cool even in July.
Actionable Steps for Your UES Outing
Don't just go to the bar and leave. Make a day of it in the 10028.
- Start at Carl Schurz Park. It’s on the river at the end of 86th Street. It’s where Gracie Mansion (the Mayor's house) is located. It’s arguably the prettiest park in the city and way less crowded than Central Park.
- Walk West. Head toward 2nd Avenue. You'll pass plenty of small shops and cafes.
- Hit Five Mile Stone for Happy Hour. They usually have solid deals. Check their current board for the daily specials.
- Order the wings. Just do it. They’re consistently some of the best in the neighborhood.
- Finish with a walk to the Met. If you have the energy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a 15-minute walk away.
Five Mile Stone New York NY 10028 represents the middle ground of Manhattan life. It’s not the cheapest, it’s not the fanciest, but it’s reliable. In a city that changes every five seconds, there is something deeply comforting about a place that knows exactly what it is: a damn good neighborhood bar.